From the Principal
Dear White Oaks Families,
On January 20, we submitted our hopes to the Hope Moonshot project. Thank you to all who participated. We were blown away by the incredibly thoughtful hopes our students have for our future. It gives us all hope to think that we can look up at the moon and know our hopes will soon be there.
Please check back here for mission updates from Astrobotic, information about the virtual launch party in 2021, and mission images and videos from Astrobotic.
Here are just a few hopes from our benevolent kids who without a doubt are paving the way for a brighter future:
- I hope that in the future we will learn to stop fighting and instead just love.
- My hope is for the Coronavirus to end. And I hope for black lives to matter.
- I hope for world peace.
- I hope that everyone will be treated equally.
- I really hope everyone stays safe and Covid ends soon.
- I hope that one day everybody finds peace in the world and in his or herself.
- I hope that everyone exercises every day. Get outside and walk, run, scooter, or bike!
- I hope that kids of all skin colors can one day play like brothers and sisters.
Thank you again for your participation,
Mrs. Scholer and the White Oaks PTA
SCEF Read-A-Thon Starts Tomorrow
The SCEF Read-A-Thon kicks off tomorrow which aligns with our primary focus as a TK-3 school to teach students how to read and instill a joy to become lifelong readers. We do this by using a variety of strategies during Reader’s Workshops in our classrooms everyday. Recently, I came across this article, "6 Elementary Reading Strategies" by Emelina Minero, which researched best practices in literacy instruction to arrive at a list of strategies that develop strong reading skills and confidence for all students. Please click here to read the full article.
Parents can work on many of these same strategies at home. Here are some of the ways that you can read with your child:
Choral Reading: Practice reading a book aloud with your child at the same time. This will help your child to improve reading fluency and expand vocabulary.
Partner Reading: Take turns reading a text aloud. This allows you to model good reading fluency and have your child practice this skill.
Ear Reading (Audiobooks): Listen to audiobooks either in the car or right before bed. Listening to audiobooks allows children to practice higher-level comprehension skills and expand vocabulary. This is especially beneficial for students with dyslexia.
Choice in Reading: Allow children to choose books that interest them. This leads to higher engagement in books.
Comprehension Questions: Pre-read your child’s book and then ask your child questions about the books he/she is reading. Please click here to access “Parent Leveled Questions” that you can ask based on your child’s reading level.
Valentine’s Messengers
If your child would like to create an additional Valentine card for members of our community, whether that be senior citizens, first responders, or health care workers, we will have bags outside the office now until February 9th to drop off these Valentine’s. Take a look at our guidelines here:
- Please hand-make your cards. No store bought cards.
- Drop off your completed cards at the White Oaks Office in the card collection bags no later than Tuesday, February 9.
- Please do not enclose your cards in envelopes; simply place cards in the bag. We will need to review all cards to ensure that they are directed towards the appropriate community members.
- Recipients love knowing who made their card, so please sign your card with your name (first name only is fine). Optional: include your grade/age and “White Oaks Elementary” under your name.
- Family members of White Oaks students are also welcome to contribute, so feel free have a younger/older sibling join in!
Sincerely,
Leah Scholer, Principal
[email protected]
School News and Events
Yearbook - Call for Photos – Deadline Friday, 1/29
We need your photo contribution to fill the following pages and capture this historic school year for your children and school. Please collect and submit your photos before Friday, 1/29.
- Welcome Wednesdays – if your child has presented or performed at Welcome Wednesday, please submit your photos of that special moment.
- Mask Fashion – Let your student show off their favorite mask.
- Pets – We all know kids like to show off their pets on zoom. Here’s their chance to share Fluffy in print.
- DYI Fieldtrips – corn maze, zoo, beach day, etc.
- Music – Students at home playing instruments or dancing their heart out.
- Sports – martial arts, Legarza, soccer, tennis, equestrian, etc.
- Outside Play – water games, sidewalk chalk, backyard fun
- Celebrations – birthdays, cultural events, holidays
- Makerspace/STEM – home experiments, favorite STEM toys, LEGO creations
- Clubs – If your student is participating in Running Club or Green Team, please share some photos of them participating
- Art – Making art and showing it off
- 3rd Graders – A photo that shows your 3rd Grader at their best or silliest for their special montage page.
- Upcoming Events: 100th Day of School & Lunar New Year (these will have a later deadline)
Instructions for uploading:
- LOG ON TO: images.jostens.com
- Enter our school ID: 415473954
- Browse to select the photo(s) you wish to upload, click on “Select My Images.”
- Click “Upload Chosen Images.”
- Please be sure to complete the Description portion of the form when submitting (it’s super helpful).
SCEF News and Events
The SCEF Read-A-Thon is THIS Week!
Ready, set, READ! The SCEF Read-A-Thon officially kicks off on Monday, January 25!
Visit scefkids.org/read2021 for registration, event calendar, reading resources and a special message from American Ninja Warrior host and fan favorite, Akbar Gbajabiamila.
Encourage your reader to record their reading minutes using the Online Minute Tracker or printable reading log and don’t forget to activate your optional fundraising page! Our goal is 100% participation and $200,000 raised to support San Carlos students. Participation is free and voluntary. Students have the option to invite sponsors to support their reading with an online donation. While donations of every size are welcome, they are not required to participate.
Join us for a lively author event with the talented Jesse Bennett as she discusses her latest book, Lift, on Sunday, January 31, 4-5pm. This uplifting children's book inspires the practice of inclusion, empathy, and kindness for ourselves and those around us. This read is fun for all ages, but especially recommended for those in grades TK-3. This event is held in partnership with The Reading Bug. Please register for this event at scefkids.org/read2021.
District News and Events
New Student Registration is Now Open!
New student registration for the 2021-2022 school year has begun!
On Wednesday, January 20 the Powerschool Registration Form opened for new students and any students returning to the district to begin their registration. All registration will be completed online and parents will be asked to upload their documents into the system. The deadline for priority registration is February 26.
See our How To Register for the 2021-2022 (Next) School Year page for more information.
ROPES Judges Needed
We are in need for parents, staff and community members that would like to serve as a judge for the ROPES (Rite of Passage Experiences) presentations in February. ROPES are challenging projects that 4th, 6th and 8th-grade students have completed which allow them to learn about their world and themselves in a deeper but fun way. You can learn more about ROPES on our website. This year all judging will be via Zoom.
There are 3 opportunities to judge:
- Tuesday, Feb 2, 4:00–6:30 pm
- Wednesday, Feb 3, 2:00-5:00 pm
- Thursday, Feb 4, 6:00-8:30 pm
In addition we will be holding a training session for all judges on Thursday, Jan 28 from 6-7pm. This will be via Zoom and we will be recording this session if you can’t make this time.
We would not be able to maintain this valuable program without the support of our community. We are asking for you to join district staff and other community members by volunteering to serve as a judge on one of our judging panels. Typically, we have two to three judges per room and they judge four to six student presentations in an evening/session.
We hope that you will be able to join us in this worthwhile event. Please sign up here to be a ROPES Judge.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via [email protected].
The Art of the Possible: Raising Resilient Children and Teens
Learn how to raise resilient children and teens from international authority in resilience and compassion. On January 27 from 5:30-6:30pm, Leah Weiss, PhD. Dr. Weiss, a researcher, lecturer, consultant, entrepreneur, and author, will share her expertise on the four “Pillars of Resilience.” Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be provided. Register for this free event here.
Free TCRWP Parent & Caregiver Workshop - 1/28, 10am-12pm
Join expert Teachers College Reading and Writing Project staff at our upcoming workshop day for parents and caregivers of students in grades K-8. Learn more about ways to support your child’s literacy education at home, what or how they are learning in school, how to best engage in home literacy projects, and more.
These days are typically 2-3 hours long, composed of a series of 15-minute small-group presentations. Parents and caregivers can choose the workshops that match their needs and are free to come for one workshop or many. The schedule of workshops will be made available prior to the event. These sessions are offered live and are not recorded for later viewing.
Register here.
Check Out Parent Education Offerings
Remember to check out our Pandemic Care & Support website for parent education events and resources, mental health support, and more! You can also add the SCSD Parent Education Calendar to your phone.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Remember to Order Lunch Meal Kits
We have weekly meal boxes available for pick up each Monday (including delivery to Menlo Park and East Palo Alto). Each box includes five meals - an assortment of hot and cold entrees and a variety of fruits, veggies, and milk. Simply order online and safely pick-up your box for the week. To order your student’s Weekly Lunch Box, please log onto LunchIsServed and place your order. You must place your order by 9am on Sunday before the following week.
Community News and Events
Sign Up for San Carlos Youth Softball
Interested in playing softball this spring? San Carlos Youth Softball is a great way for girls to get outdoors with friends, have some fun, and develop skills. The 2021 spring rec program is now open for registration. Click here to register online.
Our program is for girls ages 4+ (as of January 2021) at all skill levels. Registration for the season is just $50 for girls in 8U and below, and $100 for girls in 10U and above. The health and safety of our players are a top priority so we have put in place COVID-19 protocols and procedures. We plan to start practices in mid-February so please sign up soon!
Questions? More information online at sancarlosyouthsoftball.com or email [email protected].
Youth Arts Competition
Does your child have a talent in art and would to share their work with the community? San Carlos YAC is holding an arts competition called "Creations and Connections." Any youth ages 10-18 can submit artwork under the theme of "Peace, Love, and Community" in one of many categories ranging from poetry and short stories to film production, fine art, and even dance choreography. Entries will be broken down into different age groups. Prizes will be awarded for each age group! Don’t miss this opportunity to express artistic talent! Read and learn more at cityofsancarlos.org/yac.
San Carlos Week of the Family
What: San Carlos Week of the Family
When: Jan 15-31, 2021 (yes, we have a couple of great events after the official week)
Who: Your family (San Carlos families take many forms. Everyone in our community is encouraged to participate.)
Where: All over San Carlos
Safety: All events should be COVID-safe. Lots of at-home activities and virtual sessions.
Info: www.sancarlosweekofthefamily.org (get info here and register for events)
The 21st San Carlos Week of the Family starts Friday. There are dozens of events. Have fun with the family and enjoy some safe events.
Some highlights of this year’s Week of the Family (Details are on our web site):
- We have 100’s of FREE family art packets available for the City-wide Art Project
- There are volunteer opportunities to build Family Care Packages
- Take Monday as your Family Activity Day to enjoy games with your family
- Invent using the Hiller Virtual Invention Lab
- Attend one of the many Library Events
- Each Green Corner is presenting 3 video sessions on gardening
- Practice your trivia skills at Adult Trivia Night
- Help kickoff the SCEF Read-A-Thon with multiple events
- Attend a virtual theater event by the San Carlos Children’s Theater
- Eat crab and support the community at the San Carlos Lions Club Drive-by Crab Feed